(chè) — to remove, to take away; to withdraw, to recall

Definition

撤 is a formal verb meaning 'to withdraw, pull back, or remove' — used for troops, personnel, or positions. It overlaps with 撤回 (recall/revoke a statement or action) and 撤离 (leave/evacuate a place); 拆除 is for demolishing physical structures.

verb
to removeto take awayto withdrawto recall

Examples

  • Zhèng fǔ jué dìng cóng zāi qū chè zǒu suǒ yǒu jiù yuán rén yuán.
    The government decided to withdraw all rescue personnel from the disaster area.
  • Gōng sī yīn wèi kuī sǔn ér chè huí le tóu zī.
    The company withdrew its investment due to losses.
  • Tā yīn gōng zuò shī wù bèi chè le zhí.
    He was removed from his position due to a work mistake.

Origin

Sound + meaning
六书liùshū
形声xíngshēng

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
Written in full asshǒuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
chèchè
Same sound today

撤 pairs 扌 (hand) with 徹, which gives the sound. The shape shows removing something by hand.

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